Shape your world by strengthening integrity, accountability and public trust in local government across NSW.

• Permanent full-time opportunity (5 days/35 hours per week)
• NSW office location negotiable with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,347.00 to $146,944.00 plus super (Clerk Grade 9/10)

Join our team and shape your world in a workplace that empowers you to do your best work and build a meaningful career. In this role, you will contribute to shaping lives and communities across NSW, while shaping your own career. You will enjoy flexible work options, varied and impactful projects, and a vibrant, diverse team culture built on collaboration, inclusion and support. We are creating a workplace where everyone belongs and where you can balance work, life and wellbeing.

The role

As a Principal Investigator, you will help strengthen accountability, integrity and public trust in local government across NSW. In this role, you’ll lead and support investigations into complex and sensitive matters involving councils, councillors and council staff, helping to ensure decisions are transparent, compliant and in the best interests of communities. Through careful analysis, evidence gathering and stakeholder engagement, you’ll play a key role in promoting good governance and maintaining confidence in the local government sector.

Working across a diverse range of complaints, allegations and performance matters, you’ll assess issues, conduct investigations and provide clear, well-reasoned advice to support informed decision-making. Your work will help identify and address risks early, improve governance outcomes and contribute to fair, accountable and effective local government services for the people of NSW.

For more information about this position, read the full Role Description here.

What you will bring to the role

• Extensive experience in the conduct of formal investigations, evidence gathering and compliance review processes.
• Substantial knowledge and understanding of the Local Government sector, its operating environment and governing legislation.

• Sound judgement, analytical thinking and strong investigative skills, enabling you to navigate complex and sensitive matters and contribute to integrity and accountability across local government.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to analyse complex information, ensuring investigations, reports and recommendations are accurate, evidence-based and defensible.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders and manage sensitive matters with professionalism and tact.
• A commitment to public service and good governance, with a genuine desire to contribute to fair, transparent and accountable outcomes for councils and the communities they serve.
• The ability to manage a high-volume caseload and exercise initiative, prioritising work effectively while delivering quality outcomes within tight timeframes.

What is an essential requirement:

• Certificate IV in government investigation and/or demonstrated equivalent, relevant professional experience and/or training (please attach evidence to your application)

About Us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

(We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW. As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.

Join us

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter. We’d love to hear from you and explore how you can shape your world with us. Applications close Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at 11:55pm. Should you require further information about the role please contact Catherine Stack, Manager Compliance & Intervention on catherine.e.stack@olg.nsw.gov.au.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.